Identifying Strep Throat Symptoms

Strep throat symptoms are usually easy to spot. Strep throat is a
local bacterial infection with group A streptococcus bacteria. Strep
throat needs specific medical treatment that consists of antibiotics and
analgesics. Unlike the symptoms of sore throat, strep throat symptoms
are more intense and often include fever, headaches, inflammation of the
tonsils and swelling of the lymph nodes. Sore throat is caused by viral
infections and in most cases doesn't need special medical care. On the
other hand, strep throat is considered to be a serious illness that can
lead to complications. (sinusitis, tonsillitis) and therefore needs
appropriate treatment and special medical care.

The bacteria
responsible for causing strep throat are very contagious and they can be
contracted by sneezing, coughing or physical contact. A person infected
with group A streptococcus bacteria can easily contaminate other
persons simply by breathing close to them. The bacteria responsible for
strep throat are airborne and even an impeccable personal hygiene can't
prevent the infection from occurring.

Anyone can get strep throat,
especially accompanied by a cold or flu. Although strep throat mostly
occurs in children and teenagers, adults can get strep throat just as
well. The first strep throat symptoms resemble those of sore throat:
throat pain and discomfort, inflammation of the tonsils, nausea, fatigue
and poor appetite. However, strep throat symptoms are more intense and
in many cases include: high fever, throat swelling and inflammation,
difficulties in swallowing, swelling and inflammation of the tonsils
(sometimes the tonsils may be covered in pus), swelling and tenderness
of lymph nodes (the glands in the upper region of the neck), the
presence of white patches in the throat, rash, abdominal pain and
discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea. Most strep throat symptoms aren't
very serious and if an appropriate treatment is prescribed in time, they
ameliorate within the first days of treatment.

Strep throat
symptoms that are considered to be medical emergencies are: high fever,
severe dehydration, pronounced difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in
breathing, pronounced swelling of the neck, throat bleeding. It is very
important to quickly seek medical help when you reveal the presence of
these strep throat symptoms. Even if the strep throat symptoms aren't
very serious, it is advised to maintain permanent connection with your
physician and inform him about the progression of the illness. With
appropriate antibiotic treatment, strep throat symptoms should be
considerably diminished after the first 3-4 days. If the illness
persists and strep throat symptoms don't seem to ameliorate, the doctor
might consider changing the treatment.

Pay careful attention to
strep throat symptoms and make sure you follow the doctor's exact
indications. Also, don't interrupt the treatment unless your physician
tells you to do so. Strep throat needs at least ten days of continuous
treatment with antibiotics in order to heal properly.By
Groshan Fabiola